Hotpoint WLW3500BAL, WLW2500BAL, WLW1500BAL Owner’s Manual

Howtogetthebestfrom

YourWasher

Setting the controls p4

BleachandFabric

Softener Dispensers p8

Usin_the

Han_ash _'_system p9 Sortingand loading pll

Choosingdetergents p13

Stainremoval p18

Questions? UsetheProblem Solver p20

UseandCareof

model

WLW3700B

HO'T'I:_II_T

The GE Answer Center"

800.626.2000

Contents

Help us help you...

Safety instructions .......... 3.4

How to operate your

washer ................... 4, 5

Controls setting guide for

different fabrics and loads .... 6,7

How to use the Bleach and

Fabric Softener Dispensers ..... 8

How to use tie soak settings ..... 8

How to use the

Handwash ® system ............ 9

Energy-saving tips ........... 10

How to sort the clothes ........ 11

It pays to check and

pre-treat ................... 11

Soaking .................... 11

How to load your washer ...... I2

What is the best size load

of clothes? .................. 12

Factors to consider in

selection of detergents

and soap ................... 13

The results of continual use

of carbonate detergents ........ 14

How much detergent or soap

should you use? .............. 15

How to use detergent

or soap .................... 15

Hard water--do you

have it'? .................... 16

Before using your washer,

read this book carefully.

It is intended to help you operate and maintain your new washer

properly.

Keepit handy for answersto your

questions.

Write down the model

and serial numbers.

You'll find them on a label on the lower left side near the from.

Thesenumbersarealso on the Consumer ProductOwnership

RegistrationCard that camewith yourwasher,Beforesendingin this

If you don't understandsomething

or need more help, write (include

card, please write these numbers here:

your phonenumber):

ConsumerAffairs

Model Number

Hotpoint Appliance Park

Louisville, KY40225

Serial Number

Usethese numbersin any correspondenceor servicecalls concerningyour washer.

If you received a

damaged washer...

Immediately contact the dealer (or builder) that sold you the

washer.

Save time and money.

Before yourequest service... check the ProblemSolver on

pages 20-25.It lists causesof minor

operatingproblemsthat you can correctyourself.

All washing instructionterms in this book conformto the Care Labeling Rule establishedby the Federal Trade Commission,January 1984.

Other laundry products ........ 17

How to remove stains ...... 18, 19

The Doblem Solver ....... 20-25

User maintenance

instructions ................ 26

If you need service ........... 27

Warranty ........... Back Cover

FOR YOUR SAFETY

If you smell gas:

1. Open windows.

2. Don't touch electrical switches.

3. Extinguish any open

flame.

4. Immediately call your

gas supplier.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Do not store or use

gasoline or other

flammable vapors and

liquids in the vicinity of

this or any other

appliance.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read all instructions before using this appliance.

WARNING--To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, orinjuryto

persons when using your appliance,

follow basic precautions, including

the following:

• Use t& appliance only for its intended purpose as described in

this Use and Care Book.

• This washer must be properly

installed and located in accordance

with the Installation Instructions before it is used. If you did not

receive an Initiation Instructions

sheet with your washer, you can

obtain one by contacting the service location nearest you.

-Properly ground to conform with all governing codes and ordinances.

Follow details in Installation Instructions.

-Install or store where it will not be exposed totemperaturesbelow

freezing or exposed m_ weather.

-Connect to a properlyrated,

protected and sized power supply

circuit to avoid electrical overload.

--Connect to adequate plumbing and drain facilities as described in

the Installation Instructions,

• Turnoff water faucets when the washer is not in use to relieve

pressure on hoses and valves, and to rainimize leakage ifahose or waive

shouldbreakor rupture

• When disconnecting Ks

appliance Dull bv the plug rather than thecordto avoid d_e to the

cord or junction of cord and plug.

Make sure that the cord is loeated so that it will not bestepped on, tripped

over or otherwise subjected to damage or stress.

• Do not repair orreplace any part of the appliance or attempt any

servicing unless s_ifically

recommended in this Use and Care Book or in published user-repair

instructions that you understand and have the skills to carry out.

Tomini_ the potability

off.y:

o Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or acids such as vinegar

andtor rust remover. Mixing can produce a toxic gas which may

cause death. o Do not _rss./Te,-dl3. articles

that havebeen cleaned in, washed

in, soaked in, or spottedwith combustible or explosive substances

(such as gasoline, degreasers, dry-cleaning solvents, kerosene,

etc.) which may give off vapors that could ignite or explode.

Do not add these substances to the wash water, and do not use these

substances around your washer

and/or dryer during operation.

• HYDROGEN GAS is produced by the chemical action within your water heater and the gas can

accumulate in the water heater

and/orwater pipes if hot water has not been used for a period of two

weeks or longer. HYDROGEN GAS

CAN BE EXPLOSIVE UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES. So to

prevent the possibility of_e or

injury, ifyouhavenot used hot

water for two weeks or more, or

move into a residence in which the hot water systemmay not have

used for some time, t_onatlhot water faucets and allow thereto run for several minutes before using any electrical appliance which is

connected to the hot water system.

This wiRaUowany hydrogen gas to escape. Since the gas is flammable, do not smoke or use an openfian_

or appliance during this process.

• Never reach into washer while it

ts_. Betbre loading, unloading

or adding clothes, push in the Cycle

Selector knob to "STOP" position,

then wait until the machine has

completely stopped before opening

the lid.

o Close supervision is necessary if this appliance is used by or near

ctfildren. Do not allow children to play inside, on or with thisappliance

or any discarded appliance. Dispose

ofdi_ appliancesa_shippingor

packing materials properly. Before discarding a washer, or removing

from service, remove the washer lid.

• Keep_ law@ aids (such as detergents, bleaches, fabricsofteners,

etc3 out of the reach of children, preferably inalockedcabir_t, Observe

all w aruing s on container labels to

avoid personal fi\jury.

• Keepthe area around and

underneath your appliances free from the accumulation ofcombustible

materials, such as lint, paper, rags, chemicals, etc.

• Keep the flooraround your

almliancesclean and dry to reduce the possibilityof shipping.

of electric shock, unplug this

appliance from_power supply before attempting any maintenance

or cleaning (except the removal and

cleaning of the lint falter).

NOTE: Turning, the Cycle Selector knob toan OFF position does NOT

disconnect the appliance flom the

power supply.

• Donot tamper with controls.

• Do notoperate this appliance if it is damaged, malfunctioning,

partially disassembled, or has missing orbroken parts, including a

damaged cord or plug.

o Never climbon or stand on the

washer top.

• Do not wash fiberglass articles in

your washer. Skin irritation could result from the remaining particles

that may bepicked up by clothing

during subsequent washer use.

[ ¢contim_dnextpa_e?>

Import.ant Safety Instructions (contmu )

•The laundry process can reduce

the flame retardancy of fabrics. To avoid such a result, the garment

manufacturer's care instructions should be followed very carefully.,

For washer operation

• Do not leave washer lid up during cycle. This will stop the

wash and spin action and prevent completion of the cycle•

• Do not change SPEED

SELECTION while washer is operating• If a change in speed is

desired, push in Cycle Selector Knob to "STOP" position and wait for washer to stop. Then select the

How to operate your clothes washer

WARNING-To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons,

read the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS before operating this appliance•

HOTF)O J_rr Heov V Du_ Extro Lorg_ (opodty Two _eed Washer

_TURE _ _VEt _ BPEEO

comm

\_ HANDWASH

new speed and pull out Cycle

Selector Knob to restart•

SAVE

INSTRUCTIONS

L_T _lL

O O

Sorting and Loading

• Sort clothes carefully by fabric type, weight, color and amount of

soil. See instructions on page 11.

•Load clothes into the wash basket

being careful not to overload.

•Add measured detergent to wash load.

• See page 8 for Bleach Dispenser and Fabric Softener Dispenser

instructions.

• Refer to pages 1t to 17 for more information on loading clothes,

detergents, and other laundry

products•

• Close lid. Washer will fill but not agitate or spin with lid open.

Setting the controls.

See the Controls Setting Guide on

pages 6 and 7.

O Select Wash/Rinse Temperature.

Select Water Level. -

LOW: Washer is less than 1/3 full of clothes•

VARIABLE: Any level of fill between Low and Full.

FULL: Washer is more than 2/3 full of clothes•

RESET: To increase level, turn knob to "RESET" and then to

new level. HANDWASH: See page 9.

_t_V _R r / OF_

OmO

Select Wash/Spin Speed• Push Cycle Selector Knob in

and turn clockwise to your selected

wash setting•

Pull Cycle Selector Knob out

to start the washer• If you wish to

change setting after washer has started, push Cycle Selector Knob

into stop the washer and reset to the new position• Setting can be

changed at any time.

Tips to Help You Select Settings

Heavy, Normal and Light

Soil Settings--

For most cottons, linens, work and play clothes. Three soil level settings

are provided, but you can set the

selector in-between, if desired.

Permanent Press Setting--

An extended cool-down spray rinse

is provided to minimize the setting

of wrinkles.

Knits/Ddicates Settings--

A combination of agitation and

soak for more effective polyester knits laundering. Plus an extended cool-down spray rinse is provided

to minimize the setting of wrinkles.

HANDWASH Setting--

For those articles that would normally be washed by hand. Use

with HANDWASHTM agitator only.

Soak Setting-- Use with most soaking aids to

loosen embedded soils and stains.

uGm soil

What Happens in Each Setting (Approximate Minutes)

Cycle

Selector Heavy Normal

Settings Soil Soil

Wash

Soak Wash 18 10

Spin 3 3

Rinse 3Vz 3112

Spin 7 7

Total Time 35 27

NOTES:

e Total time includes pauses between each phase of the cycles. e Total time does not include water fill times. Fill times var? depending

on household water pressure and your selected water level.

Light

Soil Soak Pemmnent Press

4 8 3 2½ 3'A 3½ 3Vz 7 7 4Vz

2i 11 22

Knits/Delicates

4 2Vz 2 2'lz

4½

HANDWASH

21/z

3½

4Vz

TURN THE PAGE[NXXN

I for Controls Setting Gu_,/

ControlsSettil Guide for different fabrics and loads

Wash/Spin

Load Cycle Setting

Cottons and Linens

White/Colorfast Normal Soil or Light Soil Bright Non-colorfast Nomlal Soil or Light Soil

Work Clothes

Heavy soil

Average soil

Permanent Press, Treated Cottons, Blends with Cottons

Heavy or oily soil Average or light soil

Synthetics Polyester, Nylon, Aculic Knits and Woven Fabrics

Sturdy

Delicates

Silks, Wools; Blen& of Silk

Speed

NormaVFast Normal/Fast

Normal'Fast

Normal/Fast

Normal'Fast Gentle/Slow

Normal/Fast

Gentle/Slow

Wash Water Temperature

Hot or Warm Warm or Cold

Hot

Hot or Warm

Hot

Warm

Warm Warm

Warm

Normal Soil for small loads, Heavy Soil for all other loads

Nomml Soil

Pemlanent Press Permanent Press

Pemlanent Press

Knits/Delicates or HANDWASH Knits/Delicates or HANDWASH

and Wool

Rayon and Acetate

Dm_l>filled garments, if machine

Gentle/Slow

Warm

Knits/Delicates or HANDWASH

Permanent Press

washing is recommended

Baby Clothes Sturdy, such as Diapers, Nightgowns, Shirts, Pads, Sheets, Receiving Blankets, Coveralls

Babv Clothes Delicate

Blankets--Wool, Part-Wool, (otton

Blankets Synthetic, Electric

Curtains-DO NOT MACHINE WASH FIBERGLASS

Chenille Bedspreads, Robes*

Slipcovers, Draperies, Bath Mats

and Rugs*

Denims (especially Indigo Blue Jeans) and other fabrics that bleed

Rubber-coated Items, Laminated Fabrics, Vinyl, Plastics and

Articles with Plastic Trim Pillows

Normal'Fast Hot

Gentle/Slow

5 min. soak then

Warm

Normal_ast 5 min. soak then

Warm

Normal/Fast

Gentle/Slow

Normal'Fast

NomlaliFast

Gentle/Slow

Hot or Warm

Cold or Warm

Warm

Normal Soil or Light Soil, depending on amount of soil

Knits!Dellcates or HANDWASH

Light Soil

Light Soi!

Permanent Press

Normal Soil

Knits/Delicates or HANDWASH

Normal Soil or Light Soil, depending on amount of soil

*Check size. Some slipcovers, draperies and bedspreads may be too large for automatic home-size washer.

Refer to Garment Manufacturers' Care Labels

Bleach

Liquid chlorine type. If colorfast is unusually soiled, use hot water. Use maximum detergent recommended on

Only non-chlorine tvly,_bleach when needed, page 15.

White or colorfast, liquid chlorine type. Use maximum detergent recommended in guide on page 15. Non-color_ast, only non-chlorine bleach

when needed.

White or colorfast, liquid chlorine type. Small loads reduce wrinkling. Use maximum detergent recommended in guide on page 15.

Non-colorfast, only non-chlorine bleach

when needed.

White or colorfast, liquid chlorine type. If unusually soiled, use hot water. Use maxinmnl detergent recommended in guide on Non-colorfast, only non-chlorine bleach page 15. Small loads reduce wrinkling.

when needed.

No bleach Wash on/y if recommended by the garment manufacturer. Follow instructions carefully.

Seldom needed. If needed, use only Wash in your washer only if recommended by the garment manufacturer.

non-chlorine bleach.

No bleach Wash fi'equently to fluff up the down and retain the garment's warmth. Wash separately. Wet

Special Instructions

do_l_ gives off an odor which maybe absorbed by other garments. Odor disappears when

garment is dry. Treat heavily soiled areas with liquid detergent or paste made of water and

granular detergent. Close zippers. Wash 2 or 3 at a time or add towels to balance. GARMENT MUST BE TUMBLE DRIED.

White or colorfast, liquid chlorine type. You may pret)r to use a mild type detergent. Do baby clothes separately. Pretreat spots.

Rinse diapers, nightgowns, pads and sheets after use. Keep diapers in a covered pail of cold

water and conditioning agent like Borateem brand.

Only non-chlorine bleach when needed. You may prefer to use a mild type detergent. Do hand-knit garments by hand or by

HANDWASH control system. See page 9.

No bleach Fill washer, add detergent, allow to dissolve before adding blanket. Do one blanket at a time.

Pretreat heavily soiled spots with liquid detergent.

No bleach On electric blanket, sew a strong piece of cloth over plug to protect blanket and washer from

damage. Do one blanket at a time. Pretreat heavily soiled spots with liquid detergent.

White or colorfast, liquid chlorine type. Vacuum out loose dirt before washing.

White or colorfast, liquid chlorine type. If unusually soiled, use Normal'Fast Wash/Spin Speed.

White o1"colorfast, liquid chlorine type. Wash only 2 or 3 rugs or mats at one time. Shake bet_re washing to remove excess dirt.

No bleach For new "indigo blue" jeans, wash at least 3 times in very small loads with full water fill

Jeans need ample room to move to avoid white lines at creases. May discolor plastic washer parts. Subsequent washings will reduce discolorations, but will probably never eliminate it.

The stained parts will not discolor subsequent washing loads.

No bleach Tumble on FLUFF (No Heat).

No bleach Pillows are made of different materials--dacron, fiber, foam, polyester, natural feathers and

down. Many pillows can be machine washed, but mam!factHrers' care labels re,st befollo_'ed carefully. If washing is recommend, check pillows for weak seams or holes and mend to prevent escape of feathers or filling. Fill washer, add detergent and agitate t_r several lninutes to dissolve detergent. Add two pillows at a time to balance load, use full water level.

For more information on care labelin_b send for "What's New About CARE LABELS?' For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

How tome the

How to Use the

Bleach Dispenser

• Use this dispenser with liquid

bleach only• If youpreferto use powderedbleach,pour it into the

wash basket along withyour detergent. Do not put powdered

bleach into the bleach dispenser•

•Measure bleach carefully.Here

are some recommended amounts: FULL WATERLEVEL--l% cups

(310ml)liquid LOW WATER LEVEL-2/3 cup

(t70 ml)liquid

HANDWASH®system-I/4 cup

(60 ml) liquid

•Pour measured amount of liquid

bleach directly into bleach dispenser.

,Do notoverfill or allow dispenser

to overflow•Avoid splashing• Undilutedbleach can cause fabric

damage•

• Never pour undiluted liquid

bleach directly onto clothes or

into the wash basket•

Fabric Softener Dispenser

,Position the FabricSoftener Dispenseron the agitator•

• Pourmanufacturer'srecommended

amountof fabricsoftener into a standard measuringcup.

,Add enoughwaterto fill the cup

1/2full.

• Pour the diluted softener into the

dispenser.

.The fabric softener will automatically be dispensed at the

proper time.

• Do not stop the washer during the first spin• This will cause the

dispenser to empty too soon. When using Fabric Softener

Dispenser with the HANDWASH system, use one (t) teaspoon (5 mt) of concentrated softener or one (t)

tablespoon (15 mt) of diluted softener.

• Do not use the Fabric Softener Dispenser with the Soak Setting.

Soak setting

NORM_ S01/

Htm¥ 8_ Y

*"SOAK" settin_temperature will automatically be cold.

• Ira hot or warm soak is desired, set the WASH/RINSE

TEMPERATURE switch to "HOT/COLD" or "WM/COLD"

and turn the Cycle Selector Knob to

"Heavy Soil'.'Start the washer• After

washer fillsand begins to agitate, push in the Cycle Selector Knoband

turn to "SOAK'.'Pull out the Cycle Selector Knob to complete the cycle•

• For an extended soak "allowthe washer to fill and agitate for a few

minutes to dissolve the soaking agent• Then push in the Cycle

Selector Knob to stop the washer (keep lid closed) and _low to soak

for as long as desired. After desired soak period, pull out the Cycle

Selector Knob to complete the cycle.

How to Use the

HANDWASH ®

system

The HANDWASH system can be used to handle small loads of

regular fabrics--up to 2 pounds-- or for easy and economical washing

of delicate hand washables.

• Remove HEAVY DUTY Agitator as follows:

-Push switches to "UNLOCK'.'

-Lift out HEAVY DUTY Agitator leaving smaller

HANDWASH Agitator in place•

.Load clothes in the wash basket• See page 12 for loading

information.

.Put 1/4 to 1/3 cup(,60to 80 ml) detergent in thewashbasket•

• To use Bleach and Fabric SoftenerDispensers,see page 8.

•Close lid and set controls as

follows:

-Set Water Level to HANDWASH

position•

WA_ LEVEL

--Select speed and temperature accordingto instructionson

page4.

--Push Cycle SelectorKnob and turn clockwise to HANDWASH

setting•

pE_ENr _SS

--Pull out Cycle Selector Knob to start washer•

• When washing stockings, panty

hose and other easily tangled items,

always handle separately• To minimize tangling, the use of a net

laundry bag is recommended•

•To replace HEAVY DUTY

Agitator:

--Position outer Agitatorover

HANDWASHAgitator and

rotateuntil Agitatorfalls easily into place• DO NOT FORCE•

-Press gently on HEAVY DUTY

Agitatoruntil it is seated

securely•

--Push switchesto lock Agitatorin

place•

BE SUREHEAVYDUTY AGITATORIS SECURELYIN

PLACE BEFORE WASHING

REGULAR LOADS OF

CLOTHES.

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